Topsail area happenings

Published: Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 01:36 PM.

Paint by Wine

Join Karen Crenshaw on May 6 for a night of painting.

The event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Art Exposure, 22527 Highway 17 in Hampstead. Bring your own wine and paint along with Karen before taking home your own 11-by14 acrylic painting. Cost is $35. For information or to sign up using Paypal, visit artexposure50.com.

Pancake breakfast

Boy Scout Troop 235 will host a blueberry pancake breakfast on June 7 at Hampstead United Methodist Church. Breakfast will be served from 7 to 11 a.m. and includes three blueberry pancakes, two link sausages, OJ/coffee. Cost is $5 per person and helps send local Scouts to summer camp. To purchase tickets in advance, contact Jeff or Nathan Trout at 910-270-9547.

The event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Art Exposure, 22527 Highway 17 in Hampstead. Bring your own wine and paint along with Karen before taking home your own 11-by14 acrylic painting. Cost is $35. For information or to sign up using Paypal, visit artexposure50.com.

Pancake breakfast

Boy Scout Troop 235 will host a blueberry pancake breakfast on June 7 at Hampstead United Methodist Church. Breakfast will be served from 7 to 11 a.m. and includes three blueberry pancakes, two link sausages, OJ/coffee. Cost is $5 per person and helps send local Scouts to summer camp. To purchase tickets in advance, contact Jeff or Nathan Trout at 910-270-9547.

Bible study

There will be a non-denominational Bible Study and Prayer Meeting on May 20 at 232 Everett Drive (in Chadwick Shores) at 7 p.m. Speaker will be David Stahl an international Bible teacher, multi-book author, and founder of Beholding His Glory Ministries (beholdinghisglory.com). Pastor Dave will continue: Wilderness Truths for Modern Times. Snacks, cake and coffee will be provided. RSVP by May 13 by calling 910-741-0489 or emailing mtnebo@hotamil.com.

Holly Ridge volunteers

Come learn about supporting the Holly Ridge community at two upcoming informational sessions.

The sessions will be held May 14 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the Holly Ridge Community Center, 404 Sound Road, to discuss opportunities on the newly formed Liberty Fountain Committee, parks and recreation, planning board and Fireman’s Relief Fund Board of Trustees.

For more information, call 910-329-7081.

Anniversary celebraton

ArtExposure will celebrate its 5th anniversary on May 9 and 10. Join us on the 9th for our annual “Art of the Car” show, raffles, live music and more from 6 to 8 p.m.

On the 10th, artists will be working for the Saturday “Art in Action.” There will be a live model. Come watch or participate starting at noon.

For more information, visit artexposure50.com.

Dia

On May 1 and 7 Pender County Public Library joins hundreds of libraries across the county celebrating Día, a nationwide project of the Association for Library Service to Children. Activities are scheduled on May 1 from 11 a.m. to noon and again from 5 to 6 p.m. in Burgaw. Hampstead Library’s celebration takes place on May 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. All Día activities are free of charge.

The annual celebration, also known as El día de los niños/El día de los libros, is an international movement to recognize the importance of children, books and cultures. The celebration emphasizes the importance of literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. More information about Día is available at: dia.ala.org

Information about all library programs, including weekly pre-school story times, is available on the library website: youseemore.com/Penderpl or by calling 910-259-1234 or 270-4603.

Summer camps

Surf City Parks & Recreation has more than 40 summer camps available for summer.

A total of 22 sports camps so far, bring a wide variety of offerings, from Hammerheads Soccer (June 16) to fishing, basketball, volleyball, tennis and even gun safety. For the second year water-sports based camps are on tap including four entirely devoted to surfing. Prices vary according to the program offered and equipment necessary. Ages range from 6 to 14 depending on the camp.

Through community partners another 10 activity camps are offered, including Kitchen Time, dance, tumbling and Lego.

All camps have roster limits and many are expected to quickly fill. Parents may both register and pay online using major credit cards or a pay-by-check option at townofsurfcity.com. For more information, call 910-328-4887 or e-mail parksandrec@townofsurfcity.com. More information on sports camps can also be obtained by e-mailing athletics@townofsurfcity.com.

Paint the Town Purple

The American Cancer Society is offering an opportunity for businesses and local communities to show their awareness and support in the fight against cancer through May 9.

To show their support of the fight against cancer, communities can Paint the Town Purple by donating $5 to the Relay For Life of Pender County and receive a decorative purple bow to display inside or outside their home or business. Communities can also Paint the Town Purple by doing other activities, including putting up purple-themed displays in storefronts, painting the porch lights purple or swapping out for a purple one, or selecting a day for everyone to wear purple. Businesses can ask for donations for purple items sold in their stores. Proceeds will support the American Cancer Society.

This event will kick off at the Hops of Spring Beer Festival at the Relay for Life of Pender County Booth.

For more information about how to participate in painting your town purple or volunteering for the Relay For Life of Pender County, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit relay.acsevents.org.

Historical Society meeting

The Historical Society of Topsail Island will meet at the Assembly Building, 720 Channel Blvd., in Topsail Beach, on May 8 at 11:30 a.m. for its monthly luncheon and lecture. The guest lecturer will be Keith Rittmaster, natural science curator/ Cape Lookout Studies program, part of the Maritime Museum in Beaufort. He will discuss bottlenosed dolphins, which are native to southeastern North Carolina. He will explain their life cycle, range and threats to their population, as well as the rules for human/dolphin interaction.

Lawn seminar

The Pender County Extension Master Gardener Speakers’ Bureau presents Lawns. Presented by Pender Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, David Hull, this free class will be held May 6 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Pender County Public Library in Hampstead. Registration is not required. To learn more, call 910-259-1235.

Citizen survey

The Town of North Topsail Beach has released a citizen survey as part of its current initiative to create a Comprehensive Systemwide Plan for Parks and Recreation for the Town. A link to an online survey is currently on the homepage of the town’s website, ntbnc.org. The survey goal is to generate responses from a broad range of North Topsail Beach citizens and identify their needs and preferences for recreational opportunities. The results of the survey will be used to influence future plans and would be a part of the Town’s application for North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grants. Eastern Carolina Council is assisting the Town with developing the plan and the final document which will be presented to the Board of Aldermen later this year.

Rose garden tour

The Wilmington Cape Fear Rose Society, an affiliate of the American Rose Society, announces its annual Rose Garden tour.

Tour eight home rose gardens in New Hanover and Brunswick Counties and visit private gardens and speak with their owners on May 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour is free and open to the public. Visit wcfrs.blogspot.com for garden locations.

Cape Fear BBQ Festival

The 1st annual Cape Fear BBQ Festival will be held June 7 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and June 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Old River Farms, 8711 Old River Road in Burgaw. There will be a barbecue cook-off, an antique truck and tractor display, arts and crafts, commercial vendors, plants and flowers, a children’s entertainment zone and lots of Southern barbecue. Entertainment includes the Imitations playing a variety of beach, soul and rock & roll; Nate Gordon performing bluegrass; and Greatly Blest singing Southern gospel music.

Gate entry fee is $5 per car, truck or buggy load.

For more information, visit capefearbbqfestival.com or call 910-795-0292 or 843-902-6532.

Beach Bash and Classic Car Show

Food and craft venders are sought for the upcoming Surf City Beach Bash and Classic Car Show, scheduled for May 31 at the Topsail Island Moose Lodge. For information, contact Gerald Garner at 252-560-6983.

Paddling trails

The Town of Topsail Beach is planning to install paddling trails in the marshes of Topsail Island. On May 3 there will be a public meeting at 820 South Anderson Blvd. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be three trail presentations regarding how to use the area resources for these trails. Public input is sought.

For more information, call 910-328-5841.

Liberty Fest vendors

The Town of Holly Ridge is currently looking for vendors for its 4th of July Liberty Fest and Fireworks. This year’s Liberty Fest areas of opportunities include food, arts and craft and retail vendors; music; face painting; balloon animals; children’s activities; nonprofit booths; community group booths and pony rides. The town also welcomes ideas of activities and attractions for consideration.

Applications to be a vendor can be obtained at townofhollyridge.net or in person at the Town Hall located at 212 N. Dyson St.

For more information, call 910-329-7081.

Volunteers sought

The Sneads Ferry Community Council is seeking volunteers to assist in events planned throughout the year.

Help is needed with the Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival, held Aug. 9 and 10; bingo; community theater; 5K Shrimp Scamper; Neighbors helping Neighbors; community dinners; and Winterfest

For more information or to volunter, email sfccoffice@centurylink.net.

Kiwanis scholarships

The Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island Area, continuing its long standing commitment to the young people of Onslow and Pender counties, has four scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each available for graduating seniors at Dixon and Topsail High Schools. Two of the four scholarships have the requirement that the applicant be a member in good standing of the school’s Key Club.

Additionally, the club has available a fifth scholarship in the amount of $2,500 for a graduating senior who is the child or grandchild of a current member of the Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island Area. North Carolina residency is not a requirement for the applicant.

Information and applications for the scholarships can be obtained by contacting the guidance counselors at Dixon High School or Topsail High School.

Kiwanis golf tournament

The Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island Area is accepting team registrations for its 2014 golf tournament. The golf tournament will be held May 3 at North Shore Country Club, on N.C. 210 in Sneads Ferry. Tee time is 8:30 a.m., and the format will be Captain’s Choice.

Kiwanis is anticipating a sell-out event, so golfers are encouraged not to wait until the last minute to register. Entry fees are $75 per individual and $300 for each team of four. Tournament business sponsorships are $250. Proceeds are used on club projects that benefit youth in the greater Topsail area.

For more information or to register, contact Rick Benton at 910-604-3835 or Randy Cox at 910-777-2707 .

Horse shelter

Pender County Animal Shelter is seeking community support to build a facility to help the abused and mistreated horses of Pender County.

The initial cost for the Pender County Horse Shelter Project is $25,000, which will build the facility, purchase a trailer and start a medical fund for abused horses. One-hundred percent of donations directed to the horse shelter will go to the project.

Donations can be sent to Pender County Animal Shelter Horse Fund; 803 South Walker St.; Burgaw, NC 28425. Be sure to write “Horse Fund” in the memo line.

For information on the Pender County Animal Shelter Equine Facility or the animal shelter itself, visit pendercountync.gov or call 910-259-1484.

The screenings will be held at Topsail Senior Center on the third Tuesday of every month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and at Pender Adult Services on the fourth Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Pender County Health Department also offers free blood pressure checks Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call the Pender County Health Department at 910-259-1230.

Jazz festival

Diana Vincent of Hampstead is the winner of the Ocean City Jazz Festival Poster Contest. Her work will be available for sale at the festival, and poster sales will be annouced soon. The Ocean City Jazz Festival is held in North Topsail Beach on the July 4 weekend.

For more information, including the 2014 festival lineup, visit oceancityjazzfest.com or email info@oceancityjazzfest.com.

Faith Harbor UMC

Faith Harbor United Methodist Church is located on the mainland side of the swing bridge in Surf City with services at 8 and 9:20 a.m. For more information, call 910-328-4422, visit faithharborumc.org or like them on Facebook.

Battleship North Carolina hours

The Battleship North Carolina is operating on its fall/winter schedule.

Through May 26, the battleship will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Christmas Day when the ship opens at noon. The Battleship North Carolina is located on the Cape Fear River across from downtown Wilmington. For information, visit battleshipnc.com or follow them at Facebook.com/or and Twitter.com/battleshipnc.

VFW Post 9983

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is a non-profit service organization for men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States in combat areas. VFW Post 9983 is located at 188 Hines Stump Sound Church Road, one mile north of Holly Ridge at the flags. The canteen is open from 3 to 8 p.m. daily with extended hours for special events. The hall is available for rental and catering is available, special consideration for nonprofits needing meeting space.For information on the organization, call 910-329-1881.

Upcoming events include:

Patriot Training & Consulting LLC will be conducting an NRA-Certified Pistol Class on May 17 and Concealed Carry Weapons Training on May 3. For information or registration, contact Chris Robinson at 910-545-7761 or visit PatriotTAC.com.

Lions Club

The Hampstead Lions Club meet regularly at the Topsail Presbyterian Church on U.S. 17 in Hampstead at noon every first and third Thursday of the month. Visitors and new members are always welcome. Come see what the Lions are all about and volunteer your time to help save the eyesight of others.

American Legion

Hampstead American Legion Post 167 meets the 2nd Monday of each month at the Topsail Senior Center next to Pender Pines. Veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard are invited to join them. For more information, visit ncalpost167.org.

Caregiver support group

Family members, friends and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia are invited to a family caregiver support group on the second Thursday of each month.

Caregivers will have the opportunity to meet other people facing the same circumstances, discuss challenges and receive support.

For more information, contact Ann LaReau at 910-470-2378.

Surf City Community Center

Surf City Community Center is open Monday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Sunday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The current class schedule is available online at townofsurfcity.com

For more information, to register or inquire about teaching a new class, call 910-328-4887, email parksandrec@townofsurfcity.com or visit townofsurfcity.com.

Animal adoptions

Pender County Animal Shelter Adoptions are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.

The adoption fee for dogs is $60 and includes spay/neuter, rabies, distemper/parvo & kennel cough vaccines, deworming and 30-day flea/tick treatment. The $40 adoption fee for cats includes spay/neuter, rabies and FVRCP, deworming and 30-day flea/tick treatment. Microchips are $15 with a lifetime enrollment.

Pender Animal Shelter is located at 3280 New Savannah Road in Burgaw. Call 910-259-1484 for more information or directions.

Master’s Touch Resale Store

Help support community outreach to those in need by shopping at Master’s Touch Resale Store, an interdenominational resale store located at 1056 Highway 210, Unit 3, in Sneads Ferry. Items for sale include gently used and some new items. All proceeds support the ministry of helping others. The store is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations are accepted during regular hours.

Sneads Ferry Rotary Club

The Sneads Ferry Rotary Club meets Wednesdays at noon at Madison’s Restaurant, located on N.C. 172 in Sneads Ferry.

CHEW!

The Dixon Elementary CHEW! (Children Healthy Eating on Weekends) Program assists children in the community by providing backpacks filled with child-friendly, easy to prepare meals throughout the weekend. CHEW! needs donations to stock and maintain a supply of non-perishable food items that will provide nutrition for approximately 40 students each weekend. For more information or to donate, contact Kim Nelson, school social worker, at 910-327-2392 or kim.nelson@onslow.k12.nc.us

Mama J’s Helping Hand

Mama J’s helps people in need by providing them with food, clothing, household goods and baby items like diapers, wipes, formula and clothing. Mama J’s also helps people who are struggling with everyday issues and welcomes them to come in and talk. Call Mama J’s at 910-327-1302 for an updated list of specifics that are needed. Mama J’s Helping Hand is located at 2205 Hwy. 172 in Sneads Ferry. For more information, email jeanette0621@yahoo.com.

Baby FAST

The Baby FAST program in Pender County — designed to strengthen family relationships; build connections with families, schools, churches and the community; improve babies’ development and well-being; and reduce in-home stress — is seeking assistance. For more information and to help, contact Melanie Gatton at mgatton@taffinc.org or 910-777-8244.

Masons

Stump Sound No. 733 Masonic Lodge in Sneads Ferry meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.

Members meet at 6:30 for a meal, and Lodge begins at 7:30 for qualified Masons.

Boy Scout Troop 937 in Sneads Ferry meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, located at Lakeside Drive and N.C. 172. For more information, contact Harvey Hoopes at 910-327-0069 or harveyhoopes@gmail.com.

New River Garden Club

New River Garden Club meets the fourth Thursday of every month. Membership is open to all who would like to share a love of gardening, community service and conservation. For more information, contact Tommi Allen at 912-660-5274 or tallen@coastalpermits.com

Hampstead Marine Corps League

The Hampstead Detachment 1321 of Marine Corps League meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Topsail Senior Center located next to Pender Pines Nursery. New members, both Marines and FMF Navy corpsmen, are welcome.

Sneads Ferry Extension

The Sneads Ferry Extension and Community Association meets the third Thursday of the month from 1:15 to 3 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Building on N.C. 172. Learn about various issues for the community and well-being, do some crafts, work the concession stand at Sneads Ferry Monday Night Bingo (the club’s fundraiser for a scholarship to a deserving student at Dixon High). For more information, contact Ida MacNamara at 910-327-0718 or idamac1@embarqmail.com.

Hampstead Women’s Club

The Hampstead Women’s Club is a nonprofit organization that donates thousands of dollars annually to area schools and other worthwhile organizations. This is made possible through the members who volunteer daily to process donated goods and sell them at the Hampstead Thrift Shop. General meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at the Hampstead Community Building, 14435 Highway 17. Membership applications are available at the Hampstead Thrift Shop.